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ER & Urgent Care
At Windcrest Animal Hospital, we’re ready to respond to any pet emergency, no matter what time of day.
Emergency & Urgent Care Vet in Wilmington, DE
Thanks to our 24/7 pet emergency room and dedicated team of emergency vets in Wilmington, DE, and nurses, we’re here to help whenever you might need us.
If you require emergency care, bring your pet to our facility. If possible, please call us at 302-998-2995 beforehand, so we can prepare for your visit.
What We Offer
In addition to highly trained and caring staff, our 24-hour emergency critical care facility offers:
- Around-the-clock staff of experienced veterinarians and technicians
- IV fluid administration
- Diagnostic testing
- Medications and treatments
- Overnight supervision
- 24-hour intensive nursing care
- 24-hour in-house laboratory for speedy results
- Digital radiography and ultrasound
- Blood and plasma transfusion
- ECG, BP, and blood oxygen monitoring
- Oxygen therapy
- Pain management
- Thermal support
Signs That Your Pet Is
In Need Of Emergency Care
The following signs that your pet might be in need of emergency care have been reprinted with permission from the SixWise.com Security & Wellness e-Newsletter.
Swollen & Tight Abdomen
This is a symptom of bloat in dogs. Bloat is the second leading killer in dogs after cancer and can kill a dog in less than an hour. Bloat occurs when a dog swallows too much air, from eating too fast, for instance, and the stomach swells and rotates, blocking veins in the abdomen and leading to shock and organ damage. Other symptoms of bloat include a hunched-up appearance and numerous attempts to vomit, often unsuccessfully.
Additional Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Lethargy – this can be a sign of many life-threatening illnesses, including poisoning, rabies, brucellosis, and more
- Bloody diarrhea – sometimes caused by bacterial infection from E. coli or campylobacter
- Thick mucous from the anus without a bowel movement – this may indicate a bowel obstruction, which can be life-threatening
- Vomiting blood – may occur if your pet ate something sharp or may indicate poisoning, ulcers, blood disorders, or cancer
- Collapse, paralysis or sudden inability to walk or stand – this could be due to shock, poisoning, electrocution, or other causes
- Heatstroke – heavy panting, rapid pulse, vomiting, and lethargy are all danger signs if your pet has been outdoors in hot weather. If you notice any of these, bring your pet inside and apply cool, wet towels. Get to our facility immediately.
- Dehydration – if your pet has had severe diarrhea, he may be severely dehydrated. A sign of this is skin or fur that loses its elasticity and doesn’t snap back when gently pulled.
- Excessive bleeding can be caused by a road accident, an attack by a wild animal, or a fall.
- Seizures – this can result from a head injury or epilepsy.
- Unusual temperature or change in body temperature – a fever over 105 degrees F or a temperature under 98 degrees F needs immediate attention
- Broken bones
- Pale gums
- Weak or rapid pulse
Tips To Stabilize Your Pet During Or Before Transport
Occasionally, first aid can help stabilize your pet for transportation. The Humane Society and ASPCA provide the following guidelines:
- For bleeding, try to elevate the area and apply pressure to the wound.
- If your dog is choking, use your fingers to try to remove the blockage from his mouth. If you can’t remove it, give a sharp rap to his chest to help dislodge the object.
- To perform CPR, put your dog on his side, hold his jaws closed and blow into his nostrils once every three seconds, making sure no air escapes either your mouth or the dog’s nose.
- If your dog has no heartbeat, also give three quick compressions to the chest for every respiration until your dog resumes breathing on his own.
Again, if you require emergency care, bring your pet to our facility. If possible, please call us at 302-998-2995 beforehand, so we can prepare for your visit.